Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei Darussalam - His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, highlighted the continued cooperation in education and people-to-people exchanges between Brunei Darussalam and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. This message was conveyed during a State Banquet at Istana Nurul Iman on the night of November 6th, in honor of His Excellency Doctor José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, who is on a four-day State Visit.
According to Radio Television Brunei, His Majesty's titah, the banquet was a platform to reiterate Brunei Darussalam's support for Timor-Leste's membership in ASEAN and to acknowledge the strong ties between the two nations. Members of the Royal Family and the delegation from Timor-Leste were present, alongside a special Doa Selamat reading by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.
His Excellency, in his return address, commended Brunei Darussalam's significant socio-economic development and infrastructural advancements over the past two decades. He emphasized the importance of solidarity between the two countries in facing global challenges, reflecting a mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.